Hi Cornerstone Students!! It was great getting to know you last week and we are looking forward to working with you this semester!
My name is Sara Farinelli. My focuses are Education and Physical Sciences with a minor in Health Services Administration. My future plans are to become a science or health teacher at the secondary level. I chose this major because there isn’t a science and health education major, just one or the other. I felt like this was a great way to get the education that I wanted for the types of classes I want to teach. Integrating each of my areas is very important for what I want to do. I can pull knowledge from all three areas. I think this is what this major is all about. It took me a very long time to figure this out. I have had many major changes throughout my college career.
This week we are talking about integration and how it ties into our major. Integration is defined, by Webster, as a way to form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning or unified whole.
Please answer the following questions in detail.
· Why is integration of areas/minor important in terms of professional, academic, and/or personal developing?
· How have or haven't you integrated your areas and minor?
· How can your areas/minor be better integrated?
Read this article,
http://www.hhmi.org/news/nexus20110608.html
This article shows how four universities are working together to create a new interdisciplinary science program. Tell us what you think about this article and how integration takes place here, in a few sentences. Then find your own news story and explain its importance of interdisciplinarity or what an interdisciplinary solution might be for the problem raised in the story. Post the link so others can view.
How have or haven't I integrated my areas and minor?
ReplyDeleteI'm struggling with this one. My minor (Art History) seems so far removed at times from my research question (How are educational results of children in poverty impacted by parental training in early childhood intervention?) and my majors (Education, Cultural Anthropology or BS). I can "see" how teaching Art History can encourage and develop a young child's educational abilities, but putting it into my research seems a challenge.
The idea of parents "teaching" their infant to preschool age children learning is fun through simple daily interactions has long been a theory of mine. I really believe a parent can impact the future of a child's ability to enjoy school, but have never tested the theory.
It seems this would include Art History and as an example, playing a game on an iPad recently with my 4 year old niece proved that she was capable of learning through the game. We were playing a memory game using historical artworks as "cards". As a reward for finding the match, the game displays a full screen shot of the art, it's title and the artist's name. After a few minutes of play, the 4 year old had learned full details of at least one painting and she had fun doing it.
In theory, this involvement includes art, science, mathematics, reading and literature. It will be fun to pursue actual studies and prove or disprove the theory to some extent.
Daphne Keys
Daphne, that was a great example of disciplines coming together to create new insights! I don't think your minor is as removed as you think from your research question. Art is probably one of the most neglected subjects in regards to inner-city, low-income children. Since art is already an under-respected subject area in primary schools, it wouldn't be surprising if what was being taught was minimal, and not expected to be given the same degree of seriousness as core subjects. Your degree sounds exciting! The research will come together!
Delete~Hope
I think your example of playing that game with your niece on the iPad is great. Your integrating art history and education, as well as computer skills all into a fun game. How quickly we forget how much children's minds are like sponges. They retain so much information so quickly, it's astounding. We as parents, teachers, and Aunts should take full advantage of this.
DeleteI always enjoy reading your posts! The last paragraph in which you describe the card game sounds extremely fun and an excellent way to learn. I have also struggled with integrating both of my areas of study and my minor simply because the job I have now is just a part time employment in order to pay my pills and does not have many deals with any areas of criminal justice.
DeleteStephanie Krall
Hi Daphne,
DeleteAs everyone has stated, your Art History is probably the most important aspect of your major and working with children. In our capstone class, we are reading about the the right and left brain. We have been taught to put aside our right brain functions which is where we get our creative art from. I feel that when our children are home for the first 4 years of our life they need the art to be able to understand all of the analytical aspects of the world.
Hey Daphne,
DeleteYou say that you're struggling with integrating your areas and minor. I feel the same way! When I chose my three disciplines I didn't know that I would eventually have to integrate them. My Spanish major is the one that seems so far removed from my research topic, and it's hard to even consider this an actual "discipline". But according to the class videos and powerpoints, there is no right or wrong answer with this project, so I'm sure we will find a way to make it work!
Jana Read
Why is integration of areas/minor important in terms of professional, academic, and/or personal developing?
ReplyDeleteIntegration of area/minors is important because its the application of the knowledge we've developed since being in the education system. It's the utilization of resources as we gain valuable experiences that will help us grow as individuals.
How have or haven't you integrated your areas and minor?
I integrate my areas and minors all the time. My experiences here have allowed me to look at the world in a different way and apply physical theory to everyday things such as cars and basketballs. Computer science has allowed me to understand electronics in a new way and sociology helps me approach friends, families, and strangers in a more scholastic manner.
How can your areas/minor be better integrated?
I'm not sure but I'm confident that my continued participation in this class will help answer that question.
I agree, integration is "the utilization of resources as we gain valuable experiences that will help us grow as individuals." Instead of just learning a lot about one thing, we get to learn about multiple things. Then we can take knowledge and experience from different areas and integrate them to better understand, learn, and have a well-rounded perspective. Integration in especially helpful when it comes to professional development. If two people are applying for the same job, and one has a background in one thing, and the other has a background in that same thing plus two more things, I think the second person would definitely get the job.
DeleteGood post for week two guys! I agree that integrating our knowledge is really the best utilization of the resources we are provided with! Being interdisciplinary majors allows us to receive a width of knowledge and different academics that are not always attainable if you have one major. When we take the time to integrate them, we are really taking full advantage of our education.
DeleteALJCepeda, what are your two areas of study and your minor? Maybe we can help you think of ways that they can be better integrated!
-Tia :)
It is good that you integrate your areas of study all the time! I am still working on emcompassing all of mine but do so whenever possible :). I feel that educated individuals who integrate all of their knowledge as you do on a daily basis are working to become more rounded individuals and can better approach daily problems and find solutions for them.
DeleteStephanie Krall
I am studying Computational Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, and have a minor in Education. I've learned a lot of upper level math from computational sciences. I've also learned how to manage a classroom, and develop tests from education. Finally behavioral sciences has taught me how each student learns differently and how I should therefore present my material differently. I believe integrating all of the above mentioned will make ma a great math teacher.
ReplyDeleteAshley- don't forget to do the activity, it is really very interesting!
DeleteWhy is integration of areas/minor important in terms of professional, academic, and/or personal developing?
ReplyDeleteIntegration of areas/minor is important in terms of professional, academic, and/or personal developing because it challenges ideas. If Ideas are only looked at from one angle there is an inbreeding of ideas. For example, think of terrorism, many people get together with a united hatred against others. Without outside ideas or ways of approaching the differences others have, no one can bring in fresh ideas to challenge the others. In a professional setting the integration will allow for people to be more developed and willing to approach problems from different angles. This is also the same for academic problems and personal development. Well rounded individuals can approach problems from different angles and see which one fits best. When constructing a building multiple aspect need to be considered such as the location and how to best diffuse traffic flow, the intention of the structure, etc. This problem utilizes multiple areas and cannot only be solved with an engineering approach.
• How have or haven't you integrated your areas and minor?
I have not professionally integrated my areas and minor because I am still in school and not currently working at a career which I intend to stay in for a long period of time. However with the current job that I possess I do utilize my behavioral and social sciences major to observe people and the behavioral response they have to certain situations. As of yet I have no utilized my criminal justice major in any line of work which I have held. However, in the future I do plan to utilize both my areas and my minor in all the situations and problems that I am faced with.
• How can your areas/minor be better integrated?
My areas and my minor can be better integrated when I have more complex problems to solve and am faced with situations that need to be approached from different angles. This will allow me to analyze the problems better and see how they affect multiple aspects. Humanities are about what it means to be human, so in essence every single day I am integrating that aspect more. However, I need to focus more on the integration of behavioral and social sciences as well as criminal justice to a larger extent than I am currently.
As for the article, I am always in support of combined learning because it allows others to learn from a broader spectrum then they can on their own. Bringing people together to tackle a larger problem can also help to ease stress because there is a surplus of ideas being passed around and brainstormed on in order to figure out what a good solution could be.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209144003.htm
The above article is about the environment, more specifically how the microbes in the ocean are changing with an unknown certainty on just how big of a change this will cause. The interdisciplinary approach needed for a solution to this problem is complex. First, the impact that humans have on the issue will need to be examined, which utilizes the humanities as well as science and behavioral and social science to gather information on the specifics of the impact of humans.
Great article! The information impacts marine biology, as well. Including the study of the microbes and other small marine life will be vital to a complete understanding of the affect warming is having. Really interesting stuff.
DeleteVery interesting article Stephanie! Is this the kind of topics you are interested in personally?
DeleteI think it is great how you pointed out that problems need to be looked at in different points of view. That is exactly what interdisciplinary studies is all about. In order to gain a full insight on a subject or idea, it is important to address all sides of the spectrum.
I think integration of areas and minors are important in all areas of life because it helps us become more well rounded. The broader expanse of knowledge we possess and have the ability to integrate and incorporate into our lives, the better we are to deal with people and issues from all walks of life.
ReplyDeleteProfessionally speaking, I have been able to integrate my disciplines into every aspect of my job. I work for a large healthcare corporation, so behavioral and social science play a role in everyday dealings with coworkers. Public affairs has helped me have a better understanding of corporate hierarchy and functionality, and I think the integration of health services administration professionally is obvious!
I think I could do a better job of integrating public affairs. We are affiliated with private facilities, and while public hospitals do contain some of the same components and aspects, there is a difference in the two. Perhaps I could find a way to overlap them.
I think it’s a great article and idea. Bringing four great universities together means they can use the best aspects from each school. If one school has an area where they aren’t as good academically or competent, another school can fill in for their deficiency, thus, providing a better education for the student.
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/02/14/3430057/the-buzz-victory-junction-picks.html
The link is about the fundraising efforts of the Petty racing family for their charity the Victory Junction Camp. This is interdisciplinary on a few levels. The fundraiser itself brought people from all walks of life together for a common goal, to raise money for a kids’ camp. The camp is another interesting interdisciplinary angle. This camp is for terminally and chronically ill children. These kids are from all walks of life, but they come together to focus on fun and living, not their condition.
Emily,
DeleteGreat Job finding an article that really captures the importance and reach of Interdisciplinarity. The beauty of IDS is that any time you can combine two "schools of thought" or approaches to any issue, you are able to gain a broader scope of the issue.
When dealing with some of these private facilities, show them how both public affairs plays a big part in health care. Would you go to a doctor or medical professional that made you feel uncomfortable? Isn't it important to keep patients happy and comfortable?
Overall, Great Job.
Emily,
DeleteYou made great statement about how integration helps deal with people and their issues. Interdisciplinary studies allows us to look at the world not through our academic experiences but our understanding of the things we learnt.
Great article by the way! The idea of bringing people together for a common goal is exactly the concept of our major.
Hey Emily,
DeleteI think it is great that you have been able to integrate your studies in your current position. My two areas of studies are Behavioral and Social science and education. I have taken classes in the health industry as well as education courses in elementary education. Your link to the camp is an excellent way to show your fellow classmates how interdisciplinary Studies is very important in the in today's world. As a senior, I have learned how my areas are able to overlap and I know you will find a way to overlap your public affairs in the private sector.
Emily,
DeleteI think you had a good answer when it comes to integration of areas and minors. It definitely helps us become more well rounded, which in turn allows us to deal with people and situations much more easily. Your answer could apply to everyday life, or to academics or the professional world. When I saw this question I was thinking more on a professional level, where specialization will always make us more marketable and more profitable than knowing a little bit about a lot of subjects. But with proper integration we are better able to perform specific tasks related to our disciplines.
The news article listed in the blog presents a challenging and exciting opportunity for the colleges involved. Science is a discipline which often applies many sub-disciplines or branches of science toward one study. Research must include several disciplines when pursuing a medical dilemma or seeking a cure for disease. The outcome will often be best when considering emotional and mental issues alongside the physical health. Many times, medical research will also include therapies impacting a diseased person, thereby including several disciplines.
ReplyDeleteIn the article I've located (link below), music is used to raise children's esteem, confidence and help them to achieve at a higher level even though they are born to poverty. There is a hope for the future and this program works to give kids something more by integrating music while building emotional stability and hoping to raise the kids out of poverty some day.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/16/arts/music/el-sistema-venezuelas-plan-to-help-children-through-music.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
The article you posted is very inspiring. I have heard about these types of programs before in different countries that have helped keep kids off the dangerous streets they live in. Integrating art and music into children's lives has been proven to be substantial for their future. I wish there were more programs like this one available for children and teens who live in low-income environments.
DeleteAwesome article Daphne! I work with at risk children and it is such a beautiful thing to see them inspired and growing. The incorporation of music is ingenious because it is an avenue that interests everyone.
DeleteAs Sara expressed in her introduction integrating her different disciplines will give her the opportunity to pull knowledge from all 3 areas when she is in her teaching career. Integration is important because life is so multi faceted and it may take a combination of different ideas to solve problems. I dream to be a lawyer working on social policies for the less fortunate. In my practice I will incorporate my studies in non profit management and communications to better serve my clients and individuals in my community.
ReplyDeleteI have been able to incorporate my minors (communication and modern language). Last year I worked at a non profit organization and it was per my job requirement to do a lot of public speaking and writing.
It can be better integrated once I learn more about the non profit sector and have a greater understanding on how I can apply myself with my minors (communication and modern languages).
As a former chemistry major that had the most miserable experience in that major I found the article very enlightening. I originally aspired to become a doctor because of my passion to help people but was quickly turned off by science classes that I felt lacked real world application or related to each other. I am happy that the academic scientific community is taking leaps to make these courses more interesting to students. The integration here is the different science departments at each school integrating another science to make the respective science more applicable. Also the 4 universities working together is a form of integration.
A joke in the medical community was that doctors aren't taught nutrition classes at medical school, so why ask a doctor about nutrition. With the rise in disease many are focusing more on preventative measures rather than cures. The article below explains the integration of nutrition and medicine to solve many major health issues.
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/16/3979195/focus-on-eating-nutritious-food.html
It is a funny joke about doctors and nutrition. I've found a doctor who has hired a nutritionist to work with the patients along with traditional medical treatments. Vitamins, basic nutrition and counseling are all integrated in the office and my health is positively impacted.
DeleteIt seems our society has gone so far away from basic nutrition, we have increased risks for many issues as a result. Thanks for sharing the article!
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy majors are Art and Hospitality with a minor in mass communication. I think that with my current job, which is graphic design, I utilize my art major. But, when I graduate I plan to work within events. In order to be successful, I will have to have great hospitality skills. Mass communication will help pull everything together for an event, and Art definitely helps in the design aspect.
I think it’s important to pick areas that integrate because it expresses who you are as a person and shows your strong points. I think when I tell people my 3 areas, they don’t sound as if they integrate very well, but with event planning, I believe they do.
I think it is so interesting that you are a graphic designer. I personally don't have any artistic inclination so it is so interesting that you are. You are incorportating your areas of study very well.
DeleteHow have or haven't you integrated your areas and minor?
ReplyDeleteAlthough in the beginning my priority was to choose areas I was
interested in rather than integrating my disciplines, I’ve found that
my areas of study (Spanish and Anthropology) are in fact integrated.
Much of what I have studied in Anthropology takes place in the
Americas, and south of the United States most of this region is
Spanish-speaking. In studying Latin American literature, I learned
about many of the same historical events I learned about in my
Anthropology studies. My minor is Business, which I believe can be easily integrated with almost anything. We are doing business pretty much on a daily basis, for example when grocery shopping or pumping gas!
I think your areas of study are very interesting. I have always loved anthropology because it reminds us from where we come from. A lot of the things we do today, we do because we learned them from the past. As you mentioned, a lot of ancient cultures and societies started in Spanish speaking cultures. So it is an excellent idea that you are learning to speak Spanish. I also think that Business is an excellent minor. It will be an added bonus when you know about business. I hope you accomplish all your career goals.
DeleteWhy is integration of areas/minor important in terms of professional, academic, and/or personal developing?
ReplyDeleteI feel that every career is multi-faceted. Whether we realize it or not, there is an integration of many areas of study. It is important to integrate them because every career has more than one aspect. For example, becoming a doctor is not only studying medicine. It can also be helpful if the student studies psychology and business. When people go to doctors, they tell them things that they don’t tell anyone, looking for advice. It would help if doctors are able to guide them in their problems. Doctors, who would like to branch out to private practices, would benefit from studying business.
How have or haven’t you integrated your areas and minor?
As a future teacher, I would integrate my three major. My three majors are Life and Biomedical Sciences, Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Education. I would definitely use my Education major to incorporate it into teaching. I would use Behavioral and Social Sciences to understand my students. I am currently taking Motivation and I feel that this class will help me help my students. Everyone has a motivation or reason why they do something so it is helpful for me to study Behavioral Sciences. I can use my Life and Biomedical Sciences to help keep my students healthy and safe. I would like to teach in an elementary school and we know that most small children aren’t worried about the spread of bacteria. Before I was going to be a teacher, I was going to major in Medical Laboratory. I know how fast bacteria can spread. So I will use what I learned in that area to keep everything sterile and safe.
How can your areas/minor be better integrated?
I find that everything can be integrated with Education. Usually when someone majors/minors in Education, it means that they want to teach something. So it will be beneficial to choose the other areas of study to help the student teach. I am sure there is a better way to integrate my areas of study together but I feel for me, it will work out perfectly.
The article was interesting to read. I thought it set the bar a little too high for the college’s first experiment. I thought they should have started with one or two universities first, trying to integrate their programs, then if and when it works, share the ideas with other universities. A problem that could possibly happen is that every state has different guide lines. Maryland and Miami are at opposite points of the country. There are problems and issues in one state that other state has never heard of. That is why I think that they should start small, duplicate the gains and fix the problems before involving so many universities.